Deadlift bar apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A deadlift device includes a cylindrical shaft attached to a base with a selectable weight. Horizontal channels in the shaft have a main horizontal through hole with a downwardly extending keyhole slot extension with beveled edges, so that portions of one or more resistance bands may be routed through the keyhole slots and used with minimal wear. A removable dual handle with right and left hand grip portions may be attached at any of the channels. An alternative removable short horizontal bar may be inserted at at any of the channels to permit kettlebell swing exercises. The device may be used effectively with a range of lift and walking exercises using the deadlift device with added weights and/or one or more resistance bands.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. non-provisional application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/259,320 filed by applicant on Jan. 28, 2019 which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,312 filed by applicant on Dec. 21, 2016, which is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/383,220 filed by applicant on Sep. 2, 2016, and claims the benefit of that provisional application filing date.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The current invention relates to an improved weight lifting device, and more particularly to an improved deadlift device and method of use.

Prior Art

The deadlift is a key exercise in strength and conditioning programs. There are several deadlift variations, classifiable by the type of barbell used; and the technique used (sumo, conventional, stiff-legged, Romanian). The deadlift involves greater upper lumbar erector spinae muscle activity, but less lower lumbar erector spinae muscle activity than the back squat. It involves similar abdominal muscle activity to the back squat, side plank and superman exercises. Deadlifts work the butt, upper thighs, hamstrings, lower back, upper middle back, traps, and gives a kind of “fullness” in the chest. The deadlift is in fact considered by many fitness professionals to be the king of exercises for expending great amounts of energy and wasting calories.

The deadlift is considered to have many benefits:

-   -   1. Fat Burning Lift: Lifting weights and resistance training,         especially with a full body exercise like deadlifting, will burn         more fat than just dieting or dieting with cardio exercise         alone.     -   2. Works The Most Muscles In The Body: The Deadlift works more         muscles than any other exercise, including the squat. The lift         engages all of the major muscle groups. The Deadlift works your         lower and upper body, including your back muscles.     -   3. Real Life Lift: The Deadlift develops the muscles you need to         actually carry something in real life situations; whether on the         playing field, or in everyday life.     -   4. It's Safe: When performed with good form, the deadlift is one         of the safest weightlifting exercises.     -   5. Increased Cardio: The deadlift increases cardiovascular         ability, due to all of the muscles involved in performing the         lift.     -   6. Improves Posture: Deadlifting increases your core strength         and adds to core stability, according to Robson. Deadlifting         targets all of the muscles responsible for your posture and         enables you to keep your back straighter during regular daily         activities.     -   7. Increases/Improves Athletic Performance: Every athlete can         improve at almost every dimension of their sport by including         deadlifting into their workout regime.     -   8. Great Lift for Pregnant Women: It has been scientifically         proven that women can deliver a baby easier by having control of         the creation of intraabdominal pressure, a strong pelvic floor,         and can survive the rigours of delivery with fewer soft tissue         injuries; by having a strong deadlift prior to third trimester.     -   10. Great For People With Back Injuries and/or Preventing Back         Injuries: The ability to develop strength and stability through         the lumbar spinal muscles is one of the primary factors in         preventing lumbar discogenic issues, as it helps buffer shear         forces the disc is exposed to; which if left unchecked could         result in a bulge, herniation, or even spondylolisthesis.         Deadlifts build the strength and stability of lumbar spinal         muscles.     -   11. Prevents Many Other Injuries: When performed         properly/correctly, The Deadlift can help prevent injuries by         increasing the strength of your muscles around critical tendons         and—ligaments. Supporting joints with strong muscles is crucial         to preventing injury, especially in the hamstrings and lower         back.     -   12. Great For Sculpting The Body: Great glutes and legs can be         built by deadlifting. The deadlift is an excellent glute,         hamstring, and quad builder exercise. It not only sculpts the         lower body, but also sculpts the core, back, arms, shoulders,         and traps as well.

A deadlift, whether it is sumo style, conventional style, or Romanian style, is hard to perform with proper form. This lift can cause the user serious injury if not performed properly, due to all the steps needed to ensure the lift is done correctly.

Using a straight barbell to perform the deadlift can be too big and heavy for new lifters. Also, when using a straight barbell correctly for the deadlift; it can result in scraping the skin off the shins and thighs of the lifters.

Prior art patents and published applications show a variety of resistance training devices:

U.S. Pat. D653,715 to Tumminia (FIG. 1) shows a kettlebell.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,147 to Rochelle (FIG. 2) describes a weight lifting device which utilizes a post having a flange fixed to one end of the post to form a base. The post and flange retain disc shaped weights commonly used in weight lifting equipment. A bar is also employed as a gripping mechanism and is rotatable in relation to the post and attached flange.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,240 to Damm (FIG. 3) describes a hand held type arm exercise device wherein the device is arranged to extend an individual's arms permitting raising and lowering of a stack of weights or single weight thereof mounted about a central rod, said central rod includes a pivot axle, and the pivot axle includes a plurality of handle rods, such that pivoting of the handle rods from a first position substantially aligned with the central shaft to a second position substantially obliquely oriented to the central rod effects vertical movement of the central rod and the weights.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,157 to Lee (FIG. 4) describes an arm muscle exerciser includes a main stand, a base plate, two handles and several weight discs; the upper part of the main stand is a smaller diameter section with a smaller outer diameter; the base plate is joined to the bottom of the main stand; each end of the two handles has an end pivotally attached to a respective one of a pair of parallel pivot axles on opposite sides of the upper part of the main stand such that they pivot symmetrically in a plane; in the weight disc is an accommodating hole; at one side of the accommodating hole is an opening; the smaller diameter section of the main stand may be inserted into the accommodating hole through the opening, and slide down along the outer diameter of the main stand to fall onto the base plate, so the base plate will support an appropriate number of weight discs. This construction achieves such functions as to train arm muscles, to enable simplified configuration, easy assembling process, lower production costs, convenient operational procedures, adjustable weights, and better training efficiency, et

U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,002 to Connelly (FIG. 5) describes a weightlifting apparatus with a bar having a first and a second opposing end. A weight having a central aperture is dimensioned so that the bar can be passed through the aperture. The bar has an end cap having an outer dimension larger than that of the bar and the aperture, with the end cap being situated adjacent the first end of the bar. A clamp secures the weight to the bar adjacent the end cap. An aperture through the bar adjacent the second end of the bar is provided for either pivotal or direct attachment of the gripping plate. The gripping plate may be round, elliptical, continuously variable diameter, or irregular or other shapes. The gripping plate may be firm and flexible and have weights built into the plate itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,553 to Song (FIG. 6) describes a multi-functional health machine which can improve a fixing power of a weight unit in the health machine which can temper various kinds of muscles such as muscles of the upper body and muscles of the waist and the legs, which prevents a connection portion of a support rod which can be selected according to user's physique from seceding due to rotation of a handle portion, and which can reduce a load which is applied to the wrist by making the handle portion rotate according to rotation of the hands to thus make a weight portion placed in a straight line according to the gravitational force of the weight portion. The multi-functional health machine includes: a handle portion on the outer sides of which a pair of grasping rods which a user can hold are respectively formed; a fixing portion to both sides of which the handle portion is fixed; a support rod portion on the upper end of a support rod of which the center of the fixing portion is fixed perpendicularly with the handle portion fixed to the fixing portion; and a weight portion in which a plumbing plate of a weight plumb is formed at the lower end of the support rod of the support rod portion.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/017445 (FIG. 7) to Robertson describes an adjustable exercise device includes a removable handle, a extendible stacking pole and a base. The handle can be any of a number of shapes for ergonomic control. The stacking pole is designed to hold typical round weightlifting discs in a stack on the base, which is attached to the bottom of the stacking pole to both restrain the weights and serve as a platform base for the floor. The stacking pole is adjustable in length. The handle can be removed from the stacking pole by pulling a pin, thereby releasing the handle.

The prior art also shows a variety of resistance band exercises and devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,041 (FIG. 8) to Fisher describes a multipurpose exercise device includes a stiff bar terminating in limb engagement members and a flexible element connected to the center of the bar, extending away from the bar and being provided with its own limb engagement members. The bar can be positioned so that it engages the feet and the flexible member can be positioned to engage the hands or vice versa to perform a large array of exercises. Preferably the flexible member is elastic.

There does not appear to be any deadlift device on the market, so most users attempt the lifts and other exercises with a straight barbell as shown in prior art FIGS. 21 and 24.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an improved deadlift device includes a cylindrical shaft having a lower end threaded onto a base. The cylindrical shaft is configured to accept one or more weights to be inserted onto the shaft and resting on the base. The cylindrical shaft has a plurality of horizontal channels, where each channel has a main horizontal through hole with a downwardly extending keyhole slot extension. Both the main holes and the keyhole slots have beveled edges so that portions of one or more resistance bands may be routed through the keyhole slots and used with minimal wear. The main holes have a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of a removable elongated bar which may be inserted into any of the channels. In one example, the elongated bar has a length of approximately 10 inches or less so that the device may be used for kettlebell swing exercises. In other examples, the elongated bar is longer so that the user may grasp the bar with hands spaced below the user's shoulders.

In another embodiment, The shaft includes a plurality of channels to accept a removable elongated bar which may be inserted into any of the channels, and includes one or more elongated cross section channel configured to retain a portion of a resistance band.

In another example, a removable handle with a grip may be secured to the top end of the shaft.

In one example, a removable dual handle with a grip is secured to the shaft at a desired height.

The combination of a lift bar and a handle permit the deadlift device to be used effectively with a range of lift and walking exercises using the deadlift device with added weights and/or one or more resistance bands.

In another example, a Y-lift handle with right and left side vertical upper sections and diagonal lower sections with may be secured to the to any of the shaft channels.

In another example, a plurality of interchangeable bases are provided in different weights, such as from 5 to 50 pounds. The user selects a desired base and attaches it to the shaft with a bolt or pin.

In another example, the base is provided as an adjustable weight stack where the user can select a desired weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. D653,715.

FIG. 2 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,147.

FIG. 3 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,240.

FIG. 4 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,157.

FIG. 5 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,002.

FIG. 6 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,553.

FIG. 7 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/017445.)

FIG. 8 (PRIOR ART) shows a device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,041.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a deadlift device with a lift bar.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a deadlift device with a handle.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a deadlift device with no attached lift bar or handle.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the deadlift device with a handle placed on the shaft.

FIG. 13 is a front view of an example handle showing a handle attachment sleeve, and a handle opening with grip portion.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a sleeve locking element and a sleeve locking pin.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the top portion of a shaft showing the top of the shaft and the top hole

FIG. 16 is a front view of a deadlift device with weights stacked on the base and a lift bar inserted through the second hole in the shaft.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a user in proper position to perform a lift with deadlift device with weights.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a user in proper position to perform a lift with deadlift device with weight and two resistance bands.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a user completing a lift with deadlift device with weight 63 and two resistance bands.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a user beginning a walking exercise with a pair of deadlift devices.

FIG. 21 (PRIOR ART) is a side view of a prior art user beginning a walking exercise with a pair of long prior art devices.

FIG. 22 (PRIOR ART) shows stressful curvature on the spine 56 when the head is forward and the back is bent as in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a user maintaining a straight back while beginning a lift exercise with a deadlift device with weight and resistance band.

FIG. 24 (PRIOR ART) shows stressful curvature on the back of a user with a prior art barbell and weight.

FIG. 25A is a top view of an example base.

FIG. 25B is a cross section view of the example base of FIG. 25A

FIG. 26 is a side view of an example shaft.

FIG. 27 is a side view of an example lift bar.

FIG. 28 is a top view of a lift bar with a single shaft mounting pin.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the handle of FIG. 28 mounted on a shaft.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the handle of FIG. 28 mounted on a shaft 130 as shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a front view of a Y-lift handle.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of the Y-lift handle of FIG. 31 mounted on a shaft.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the Y-lift handle of FIG. 31 mounted on a shaft.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of vertical upper sections of the Y-lift handle of FIG. 32 being grasped by a user's hands.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the diagonal lower sections of the Y-lift handle of FIG. 32 being grasped by a user's hands.

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an interchangeable base attached to a shaft.

FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of an example shaft 130 having both handle mounting channels and band retention slots.

FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of the example shaft of FIG. 37 showing a band inserted through a band retention slot.

FIG. 39 is a detailed side perspective view of the example shaft of FIG. 37 showing a pin groove in a handle mounting channel.

FIG. 40 is a detailed side perspective view of the example shaft of FIG. 37 showing a pin groove in a handle mounting channel.

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of a handle with a spring retention pin.

FIG. 42 is a detailed front view of the handle of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a detailed bottom view of the handle of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a front view of an example dual handle.

FIG. 45 is a top view of the example dual handle of FIG. 44.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following element list is provided for convenience in reviewing the figures:

-   -   user 50     -   head 51     -   shoulders 52, 53     -   back 54     -   spine 56     -   arms 58, 59     -   hands 63, 64     -   feet 70, 71     -   Weights 60, 61, 62,     -   Deadlift device 100, 101, 102     -   Base 120     -   floor protector 122     -   central recess 123     -   shaft attachment threads 124     -   shaft weld 126 (not shown)     -   interchangeable base 128     -   shaft connection bolt 129     -   main shaft 130     -   handle mounting pin holes 131A, 131B, 131C,     -   handle mounting channels 135A, 135B, 135C     -   pin groove 137A, 137B, 137C     -   band slots 136A, 136B, 136C     -   external diameter 132     -   top portion of shaft 140     -   top of shaft 142     -   rounded top 144     -   bottom portion of shaft 150     -   bottom of shaft 152     -   base attachment threads 154     -   overlapping thread lip locking element 156     -   rubber pad 158     -   first channel 160     -   bottom portion of hole 161     -   main through-hole 162     -   beveled edge 163     -   keyway slot 164     -   beveled edge 165     -   second channel 170     -   bottom portion of hole 171     -   main through-hole 172     -   beveled edge 173     -   keyway slot 174     -   beveled edge 175     -   third channel 180     -   bottom portion of hole 181     -   main through-hole 182     -   beveled edge 183     -   keyway slot 184     -   beveled edge 185     -   Handle 200, 201     -   handle opening 210     -   grip portion 212     -   handle attachment sleeve 240     -   shaft mounting recess 242     -   first side hole 244     -   second side hole 246     -   sleeve locking element 249     -   sleeve locking pin 248     -   spring pin 280     -   spring pin nut 282     -   Lift Bar 250     -   first shaft mounting pin hole 220     -   pin 222     -   second shaft mounting pin hole 230     -   pin 232     -   Lift Bar 260     -   shaft pin mounting hole 261     -   shaft mounting pin 262     -   grip knurling 264     -   Y-lift Handle 270     -   right side 272     -   vertical upper portion 273     -   diagonal lower portion 274     -   left side 275     -   vertical upper portion 276     -   diagonal lower portion 277     -   shaft mounting sleeve 278     -   mounting bolt or pin 279     -   adjustable weight stack base 290     -   a weight selection element 292     -   selected weight portion 294     -   docking portion 296     -   resistance band 300     -   resistance band 310     -   dual Handle 320     -   right side 322     -   proximal portion 324     -   distal portion 326     -   left side 332     -   proximal portion 334     -   distal portion 336     -   shaft mounting sleeve 328

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a deadlift device 100 with a lift bar 250. In this example, a vertical main shaft 130 has a lower end threaded into base 120. The main shaft has three channels 160, 170, and 180 which may be used to insert the lift bar 250, or resistance bands (not shown). The lift bar is held in place by two lock pins 222 and 232 positioned on either side of the vertical shaft. In this example, the lift bar is inserted through a selected channel with the lock pins facing down into the keyhole slot. Once centered, the lift bar is rotated so that the pins are upright.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a deadlift device 101 with a handle 200. In this example, the vertical main shaft 130 has a lower end threaded into base 120. The main shaft has three channels. The top channel 160 (not labeled) is used to secure the handle, and the lower two channels 170 and 180 may be used to insert resistance bands. The handle is held in place by a sleeve locking element 249 and sleeve locking pin 248.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a deadlift device 100 with no attached lift bar or handle. The top portion 140 of the shaft includes a rounded top 144.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the deadlift device 100 with a handle 200 placed on shaft 130. The sleeve locking element 249 has not yet been inserted in the top channel 160.

FIG. 13 is a front view of an example handle 200 showing a handle attachment sleeve 240, a handle opening 210 with grip portion 212.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a sleeve locking element 249 and a sleeve locking pin 248.

In this example, the sleeve locking element is a large pin having a head and a shaft diameter slightly less than the diameter of the top main through-hole 162 (FIG. 15).

FIG. 15 is a side view of the top portion of a shaft showing the top of the shaft 142, and the top hole 160. In this example, the top hole has a main through-hole 162 with a keyway slot 164 positioned on the bottom 161 of the main through-hole. The main through-hole 162 has a beveled edge 163, and the keyway slot 164 has a beveled edge 163. The beveled edges reduce stresses on optional resistance bands as discussed below.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a deadlift device 100 with weights 60 and 61 stacked on base 120, and lift bar 250 inserted through the second channel 170 in the shaft 130.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a user 50 in proper position to perform a lift with deadlift device 100 with weights 60 and 61. In this position, the user maintains a straight back and positions shoulders 52 and 53, and arms 58 and 59, directly over the lift bar 250.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a user 50 in proper position to perform a lift with deadlift device 100 with weight 63 and two resistance bands. In this example, a first resistance band loop 300 is pushed through the top channel 160 in the deadlift device 100, and ends of the loop are held by the user's feet 70 and 71. A second resistance band loop 310 is pushed through the bottom hole 180 in the deadlift device 100, and ends of the loop are held by the user's feet 70 and 71.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a user 50 completing a lift with deadlift device 100 with weight 63 and two resistance bands. In this example, both resistance bands 300 and 310 are directed through the bottom channel 180 in the device shaft.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a user 50 beginning a walking exercise with a pair of deadlift devices 101 and 102. The user is able to maintain a straight back 54 and head 51.

FIG. 21 (PRIOR ART) is a side view of a prior art user beginning a walking exercise with a pair of long prior art devices. The extended length of the prior art devices causes the user's head 51 to push forward and back 54 to bend. Prior to the deadlift device, the only way to deadlift weight off the ground was to use a straight barbell. Since using a straight barbell is sometimes difficult to use for lifters of smaller stature, this invention allows for lifters of all shapes, ages, and sizes to use and allows the lifter to perform the deadlift properly.

FIG. 22 (PRIOR ART) shows stressful curvature on the spine 56 when the head is forward and the back is bent as in FIG. 21.

The deadlift devices permit the user to maintain an erect posture during this walking exercise. By contrast FIG. 21 (PRIOR ART) shows a user attempting to use handles on traditional long barbells. In this example the user does not maintain proper posture, and has a head-forward position causing stress on his bent spine.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a user maintaining a straight back 54 while beginning a lift exercise with a deadlift device with weight and resistance band.

FIG. 24 (PRIOR ART) shows stressful curvature on the back 54 of a user with a prior art barbell and weight. Many lifters do not perform the deadlift properly because they don't want to scrape their shins and thighs, resulting in poor form; thus resulting in injury. Also, using a straight barbell can be intimidating and sometimes is too heavy and bulky for new lifters.

FIGS. 25A-27 show a second embodiment of a deadlift device. FIG. 25A is a top view of an example base. FIG. 25B is a cross section view of the example base of FIG. 25A

FIG. 26 is a side view of an example shaft. FIG. 27 is a side view of an example lift bar.

When performing the deadlift, whether it is sumo style, conventional style, or Romanian style is hard to perform with proper form. This lift can cause the user serious injury if not performed properly, but is difficult to properly perform due to all the steps needed to ensure the lift is done correctly. The embodiments described herein make it much easier to perform exercises with proper form.

The “Perfect Deadlift Bar” forces the user to keep the weight that is being lifting properly aligned with the human body, keeps the weight being lifted centered with the spine, and allows the lifter to lift the entire weight off the ground, or carry the device and weights, without pushing the weight away from the body. When the weight being lifted is pushed away from the body, that motion causes serious strain on the spine and back, resulting in serious injury. This bar eliminates all of that, thus resulting in a perfect lift every time the bar is used.

The deadlift device permits all lifters to perform the deadlift with proper form. The bar design also allows for resistance bands to fit in the desired slots, so both weights and/or resistance bands can be used. The beveled keyhole slots permit insertion of one or more resistance bands at each desired location, and both bands and a lift bar can be inserted into the same hole on the shaft.

Base

In one example, the base is fabricated from Aluminum 60-61 material to provide a lightweight device with the capability to lift over 300 pounds. The base has a smooth finish on the bottom where a 1/16″ recycled rubber with a permanent adhesive is placed as a floor protector. In this example, the bottom of the shaft screws into threading in the center of the base. Other shaft attachment methods may be used, including welding.

In other examples, the base may be made of regular carbon steel or other materials.

Interchangeble Base

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an interchangeable base 128 attached to shaft 130 with a shaft connection bolt 129 or provided in the center of the base. The user may select from a plurality of bases, each having different weight, and then removably attach the desired base to the shaft with the shaft connection bolt 129, or other attachment means such as screwing a threaded base onto a threaded shaft.

Adjustable Weight Stack Base

In another example, the base is provided as an adjustable weight stack where the user can select a desired weight, such as by inserting one or more pin or clip at a desired location which permits the shaft to left a portion of the base weights from the adjustable weight stack. In one example, a first base weight can be selected in a range of 5 to 50 pounds. After an exercise, the user lowers the base back onto the adjustable weight stack so that another base weight may be selected for the next exercise.

An example adjustable weight stack base 290 is shown in FIG. 37 where a prior art PowerBlock™ dumbell has been adapted to attach to a deadlift device shaft 130. In this example, the user positions a weight selection element 292 at a desired location corresponding to 5 to 50 pounds of weight in 5 pound increments. The weight selection element 292 permits the selected weight portion 294 to be lifted from the docking portion 296.

In other examples, different weight ranges and increments may be used, and alternative weight selection elements may be provided.

Main Shaft

In one example, the main shaft is fabricated from Aluminum 60-61 material, and has a diameter of 2 inches. The overall length is 14.5 inches. The top of the shaft has a flat smooth finish with a 1/10 radius in order to prevent the user from cutting a hand or other body part. The purpose of the flat finish with 1/10 radius is also to accommodate the handle attachment. The bottom of the shaft will also have threading, to screw into the base. When screwed all the way on, the last thread will overlap the bottom of the base to serve as a locking mechanism. This will prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the base, and serves as an additional safety measure. This “overlapping thread lip” will not be seen by the user, as it will have the rubber pad covering it.

In one example, the main shaft has 3 holes, each with a keyway slot machined through the entire shaft. The hole has a 1 inch diameter permit a 1 inch diameter handle to slide through. The bottom of the hole tapers to a ½″ in length and ¾″ in width keyway slot.

The keyway slot has a 1/10 radius (termed a “bevel” in this specification. The purpose of the keyway slot is to also allow for resistance bands to slide perfectly through the shaft. The bands can be used in place of weights, or in conjunction with weights. The bands will also serve as a great teaching tool for people who have never lifted before.

In other examples, the shaft or base may be made of regular carbon steel or other materials.

In other examples, the shaft may have a non-circular cross section.

In some examples, a hollow shaft may be molded or cast, and the elongated handle may be stored in the hollow shaft.

Example—Shaft with Separate Band Retention Slots

FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of an example shaft 130 having both handle mounting channels 135A, 135B, and 135C; and band retention slots 136A, 136B, and 136C. In this example, each of the handle mounting channels 135A, 135B, and 135C has a spring pin retention groove 137A, 137B, and 137C, respectively which is configured to retain a spring pin retention on a handle.

FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of the example shaft 130 of FIG. 37 showing a resistance band 300 inserted through a band retention slot 136A.

FIG. 39 is a detailed side perspective view of the example shaft 130 of FIG. 37 showing a pin groove 137A in a handle mounting channel 135A. FIG. 40 is a detailed side perspective view of the example shaft 130 of FIG. 37 showing a pin groove 137A in a handle mounting channel 135A.

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of a handle 201 with a spring retention pin 280.

FIG. 42 is a detailed front view of the handle 201 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a detailed bottom view of the handle 201 of FIG. 41.

Lift Bar

In one example, the main shaft is fabricated from Aluminum 60-61 material with an overall length of 12 inches and a 1 inch diameter. The ends of the handle are flat with a smooth finish, and a 1/10 radius. The lift bar has a course ping finish to provide a comfortable grip.

Two holes will be drilled all the way through the lift bar, and will have 2 pins pressed through. The purpose of the pins are to hold the lift bar in place, while in use. The pins will prevent the handle from sliding out in either direction.

Short Lift Bar

FIG. 28 is a top view of a lift bar 260 with a single shaft mounting pin 262. In this example, the lift bar has a length of about 10 inches. The lift bar has only one drilled hole in the center for a single shaft mounting pin 262, and has grip knurling 264 on both ends.

The shorter 10 inch length permits kettlebell swing exercises, with the device less likely to hit the user in between the legs.

By having one drilled hole directly in the center, the handle may be securely lock in place without rotation so that the user can now use the T-Bell for swings in an overhead motion. The user can now slide the handle in the desired main shaft slot, then securely lock in place by using a standard cotter pin. The ball point at the end of cotter pin prevents the pin from sliding out, and securely keeps the pin locked in place.

The knurled handles provide extra grip for the user, and makes the device more user friendly. The knurling prevents the hands from slipping as sweat gets on the handle, and serves as an extra safety feature.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the handle of FIG. 28 mounted on a shaft 130. In this example, three lift bar mounting pin holes 131A, 131B, 131C are provided, and the handle is secured in the top lift bar mounting pin hole 131A.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the handle of FIG. 28 mounted on a shaft 130 as shown in FIG. 29.

Handle

In various examples, the handle comprises a horizontal bar insertable into a shaft channel; a single handle grip attached to a sleeve that may be attached to the shaft; a y-bar dual handle attached to a sleeve that may be attached to the shaft at a desired height; and a dual handle attached to a sleeve that may be attached to the shaft at a desired height.

In one example, the handle is fabricated from Aluminum 60-61 material. The handle attachment is machined in 2 sections. The first section is sleeve that will fit and slide on top of the main shaft. A 1 inch hole is drilled on each side of the sleeve. The holes on the sleeve line up with the top hole on the main shaft.

The hand grip will have a rounded square finish, or round circular finish. The hand grip portion will also have a coarse ping finish for grip, or machined grooves for finger placement. The top of the sleeve will have an indention to where the bottom of the hand grip can sit in. Then, it will be welded together to make one piece. This entire handle attachment may also be cast in one complete piece. A pin will be machined separately. This pin will slide all the way through the handle attachment and main shaft. It will have a hole drilled on the end where a locking pin can slide through and keep the pin from sliding out of the main shaft.

Y-lift Handle

FIG. 31 is a front view of a Y-lift handle 270 comprising a right side 272 and a left side 275. FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of the Y-lift handle 270 mounted on a shaft 130. In this example, the Y-lift handle is mounted by inserting the bolt or pin 279 through a second channel 170 (not labeled) on the shaft. The handle may be raised by securing it in the first channel 160 as shown in FIG. 33. The handle may be lowered by securing it in the third channel 180. FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the Y-lift handle 270 mounted on the shaft 130. In this example, the Y-lift handle is mounted by inserting the bolt or pin 279 through a first channel 160 on the shaft. The handle may be lowered as shown in FIG. 33 by securing it in the second channel 170, or further lowered by securing it in the third channel 180.

This handle slides up and down the main shaft of the T-Bell, and can be locked in place on any on the slots; that slot placement is the user's preference. This attachment serves as a “landmine” replacement, and is considered to be a “free weight landmine”. The pictures how the handle attachment to be locked in place with a bolt and screw, but that is only for prototype purposes. The finished product will lock in place with a locking pin and cotter pin, not a bolt and screw. There are two ways to grip the handle: one is on the angled section, and the other is on the top straight section. The gripping placement depends on the user and what drill is being performed. This handle attachment makes the overall T-Bell more versatile, and allows for countless explosive drills to be performed.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of the right vertical upper section 273 of the Y-lift handle 270 being grasped by a user's first hand 63, and left vertical upper section 276 being grasped by the user's second hand hand 64.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the right diagonal lower section 273 of the Y-lift handle 270 being grasped by a user's first hand 63, and left diagonal lower section 276 being grasped by the user's second hand 64.

Dual Lift Handle

FIG. 44 is a front view of an example dual handle 320 comprising a sleeve 328 configured to slide over the top of a shaft. In this example, a right handle portion 322 and a left handle portion 324 are attached to the sleeve, FIG. 45 is a top view of the example dual handle 320 of FIG. 44. In this example, the right handle portion 322 has a proximal portion 324 attached to sleeve 328 and a distal grip portion 326; and the left handle portion 332 has a proximal portion 334 328 and a distal grip portion 336.

Rehab Benefits

Because the weight is centered in line with body, the weight is centered on the hip structure itself; and the outer extremities don't work as hard like they would with a standard long barbell. Due to the design of this device, the bio mechanics now allow for an individual with a bad back and bad knees to lift up the weight from the ground up, having the same effect with a standard barbell; but makes it pain free. By using the device t, an individual with injuries can still work the hips, the glutes, the back, the lower back, and the inner and external obliques; safely and effectively.

Other Advantages

The device is an effective tool for teaching proper form, as well as safety to those with limited lifting experience. It is hard to teach lifting methods from the ground up, and the deadlift device helps teach proper techniques.

Use of the deadlift device develops the posterior chain. The posterior chain is a group of muscles consisting predominantly of tendons and ligaments on the posterior of the body.

Examples of these muscles include the biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, erector spinae muscle group, trapezius, and posterior deltoids.

The deadlift device serves as a progression and regression tool. It does not eliminate the barbell, but adding a progression tool leading up to the barbell; and regression tool from people that are injured and not able to use standard barbell.

The compact design takes up very little space, so it is good for group training settings and also field work.

The design of the lifting bar makes it a good tool for grip strength training. Single finger, double finger, and triple finger deadlifts can now be performed with the device; resulting in an effective, and safe workout.

The handle attachment allows for many variations of endurance training; resulting on less pounding and stress on my athletes knees and joints”. The device allows for maximum heart rate workouts and is a good cardio tool.

The deadlift device design keeps the weight in line with the center of gravity, creating a safe and effective workout. The design of the lifting bar allows for any sized hands to fit properly, thus not resulting in narrowed hand placement, rolled shoulders, and upper back discomfort such as the kettle bell.

It is to be understood that the specific embodiments and examples described above are by way of illustration, and not limitation. Various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill, and the scope of the invention is as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A deadlift device comprising a first base, a vertically-oriented shaft comprising a bottom end portion connected to the base, a top end portion comprising a top edge, and a plurality of horizontal channels located between the top end and the bottom end, and a first horizontal slot configured to retain a portion of a resistance band; and a removable lift handle assembly comprising a locking element, and a lift handle.
 2. The deadlift device of claim 1 wherein the lift handle further comprises a sleeve configured to slide over the vertically-oriented shaft, the sleeve having a first hole, and a second hole, diametrically-opposed to the first hole, such that the locking pin or bolt is partially insertable through the first hole, through any one of the plurality of horizontal channels, and through the second hole in order to secure the sleeve to the vertically-oriented shaft, and a left side handle attached to the sleeve, and a right side handle attached to the sleeve.
 3. The deadlift device of claim 2 wherein the left side handle further comprises a grip portion.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The deadlift device of claim 2 wherein the locking element further comprises a sleeve locking pin.
 6. The deadlift device of claim 1 wherein each horizontal channel comprises a beveled edge.
 7. The deadlift device of claim 1 further comprising an elongated lift bar having a length of about 10 inches and a circular cross section such that the elongated lift bar is configured to be inserted through any of the horizontally channels.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The deadlift device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of detachable bases of different weights, each of the plurality of detachable bases configured to be attached to the vertically-oriented shaft.
 11. A deadlift system comprising a deadlift device comprising a base, a vertically-oriented cylindrical shaft comprising a bottom end portion connected to the base, a top end portion comprising a top edge, an external diameter, and a plurality of horizontal channels located between the top end and the bottom end, a first horizontal slot configured to retain a portion of a resistance band; and a removable lift bar assembly comprising a locking element, and a lift handle; and a first resistance band.
 9. The deadlift device of claim 11 wherein the lift handle further comprises a sleeve configured to slide over the vertically-oriented shaft, the sleeve having a first hole, and a second hole, diametrically-opposed to the first hole, such that the locking pin or bolt is partially insertable through the first hole, through any one of the plurality of horizontal channels, and through the second hole in order to secure the sleeve to the vertically-oriented shaft, and a left side handle attached to the sleeve, and a right side handle attached to the sleeve.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The deadlift system of claim 11 further comprising a set of resistance bands having a range of resistance.
 15. A method of performing deadlift exercises with resistance, the method comprising providing a deadlift device comprising a base, a vertically-oriented cylindrical shaft comprising a bottom end portion connected to the base, a top end portion comprising a top edge, an external diameter, and a plurality of horizontal channels located between the top end and the bottom end, a first horizontal slot configured to retain a portion of a resistance band; and a removable lift bar assembly comprising a locking element, and a lift handle; selecting a resistance; and performing one or more exercises with the handle.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing a removable elongated lift bar for the deadlift device, the lift bar comprising a spring pin; inserting the elongated lift bar into a channel until the spring pin engages a spring pin groove provided in the channel; and performing one or more exercises with the lift bar.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein selecting a resistance further comprises providing a plurality of detachable bases of different weights; selecting one of the plurality of detachable bases; and attaching the selected one of the plurality of detachable bases to the vertically-oriented shaft.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein selecting a resistance further comprises routing a first resistance band through first horizontal slot.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising teaching proper deadlift exercise techniques by using the deadlift device with a resistance band rather than added weight.
 21. The deadlift device of claim 1 wherein the first base further comprises an adjustable weight stack base; and a weight selection element.
 22. The deadlift system of claim 11 further comprising an elongated lift bar having a length of about 10 inches and a circular cross section with a diameter matched to the main horizontally-oriented cylindrical through hole diameters; such that the elongated lift bar is configured to be inserted through any of the horizontally-oriented cylindrical through holes.
 23. The deadlift system of claim 11 wherein the base further comprises an adjustable weight stack base; and a weight selection element. 